Museum Archive: Seneca Little Cleo (Hula Girl), 1/2oz Copper fishing spoon #11657

Copper-toned and gleaming, the finish on this 1/2 oz (14 g) spoon captures the classic aesthetic of mid-century angling. This specific specimen, cataloged under product code 11657, represents the golden era of the Seneca Lure company before the brand was absorbed by Acme in the early 1980s. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm), the lure features the legendary 'Hula Girl' dancer silhouette stamped onto its reverse side—a design detail that many veteran collectors swear is the secret to the original Cleo's effectiveness. Still housed on its original card marked 'The Wigglin' Killer,' the piece reflects a time when manufacturing was handled with care in the USA. The packaging itself shows its age with some softening of the card and film, but the lure remains in unused condition. Every curve of the stamped metal is designed for deep-running retrieves, a characteristic highlighted on the back of the card which refers to the Wob-L-Rite series. The treble hook is securely attached with original hardware, showing the robust construction typical of Seneca's vintage production.